Mass Appeal, an urban culture-focused media and entertainment company, has added director Katya Bankowsky to its roster for commercials and branded content in the U.S.

Bankowsky, who had formerly been repped by production house Strike Anywhere, brings to Mass Appeal 15 plus years of experience, creating award-winning ads, branded entertainment and digital campaigns for clients including the WNBA, NFL, Reebok, Maserati, Verizon, the US Olympic Committee, Chase and Brazilian Brahma beer. Prior to joining Mass Appeal, she directed a piece for The New York Times on French fashion icon Michele Lamy and a web series she wrote, directed, and co-starred in with Lamy.

She most famously directed, produced and edited the 1999 award-winning feature documentary film Shadow Boxers that follows the rise of women’s boxing and tells the story of the first undefeated female world champion, Lucia Rijker. The documentary premiered at the Toronto and Berlin International film festivals, picking up awards along the festival circuit for direction, cinematography, editing and music.

“Katya brings an unparalleled grit and boldness to her work that fits into Mass Appeal’s film roster,” said Mike Lobikis, executive producer at Mass Appeal.

Bankowsky said of Mass Appeal, “Here, I’ll have the opportunity to work alongside an innovative group of people who are thinking outside of the box and are telling the stories that need to be told.”